The chairman of the board of trustees at the troubled Bury Hospice has resigned.

Colin Greene’s decision to quit follows a difficult few months for the charity.

As reported in the M.E.N. in October, three board members resigned amid concerns about the management style of the £5m facility after an investigation into grievances by staff.

The Care Quality Commission is investigating the charity after a shortage of staff meant they were only able to serve microwaved meals at weekends.

The hospice lost out on a £50,000 donation as a benefactor who was on the cusp of bequeathing the money as part of her will decided to support another charity instead because of concerns about the management regime.

In his letter of resignation Mr Greene said: “I have been told personally by several people that specifically my view of the way the hospice has been managed is clouded and not objective and that this is a view widely held by some supporters and agencies associated with the hospice.

“Recent unjustified accusations about events at the hospice and the recent press activity would indicate that there is a hard core of people working against the good name and dedicated people of the hospice, who seem determined to destroy everything it exists for.

“I repeat, the hospital exists solely for the support it provides to patients and families and this must be the focus of every one involved in it.

“I would like to thank everyone, staff and volunteers, who have shown their support of the Trustees and management. However, regrettably, I feel that my position is untenable and it is time for me to allow someone else to take over as the chair of Trustees.”

At a tense summit of trustees in October it was suggested that the charity’s chief executive, Jacqui Comber, should be suspended or face a vote of no confidence.

When the board did neither, three members stepped down.

One trustee, social work manager, Paul Lavin resigned at the meeting and another, Lancaster University senior lecturer in health research Sarah Brearleym, the next day.

A third, retired businessman, Michael Ganley, quit a few days later. A fourth trustee, David Emery is to step down at Christmas.

Mr Ganley told the M.E.N.: “Mr Greene’s resignation is a mix of good and bad news. It is too little. The chief executive needs to go as well. Mr Greene has backed her all the way - it is only right that she should go as well. That is the only way to lure investors back to the hospice.”

Ms Comber has been off work for a month, but told the M.E.N.: “I am definitely not on gardening leave. I will be back - that is 100 per cent - I will be back.”

Stuart North, chief officer for NHS Bury Clinical Commissioning Group, said: “We want the hospice to be a success moving forwards, continuing to provide this vital service for local families. We would like to work with the hospice to make this happen.

“We have offered to support the hospice in the recruitment and selection process of a new chair and additional Trustees.”

The hospice, which opened in 2013 after moving from its old premises in Dumers Lane, Radcliffe, lost £600,000 in its first year after relocating. For the financial year 2014/15 it is expected to break even. But in October it made a loss.

A £500,000 Department of Health grant was spent refurbishing the Grace’s Place building. But its opening is 17 months behind schedule and trustees admitted in May they had only raised £168,000 of a £1m appeal.